GIS Specialist

General Information

The City of Ames is conducting a recruitment to establish a Civil Service eligibility list for this classification. The list will be valid for up to one year from the date of certification by the Ames Civil Service Commission and may be used to fill one or more vacancies in this classification. In addition, City of Ames Civil Service employees who have previously held Civil Service status in this classification and are interested in voluntarily demoting or laterally transferring into the current vacancy must submit their application by the deadline.

Under the supervision of the GIS Coordinator develops and maintains Public Works related GIS data pertaining to pavement management, water distribution, sanitary/storm sewer, and traffic networks. Works with Public Works staff and other City departments to establish and maintain the GIS system using primarily ESRI software; responds to GIS related inquiries from internal and external customers; performs miscellaneous work in engineering and GIS-related analysis, cartography, and data collection. Performs other related work as required.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.

The City of Ames has a compensation philosophy for our merit salary ranges that provides growth for employees as they gain experience and expertise in their roles.  The minimum pay of each range is intended to reflect an employee's qualifications that meet the position's minimum requirements.  The median of any range is for an employee who can reasonably meet all expectations of the position responsibilities without initial or extensive training. The City may consider a candidate's education, experience, and skills that are above the minimum requirements when considering a salary closer to the median. The median salary for this position is $80,788.
 
 Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at:  City of Ames Benefits
 
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program:  The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit:
  PSLF Program

Examples of Essential Job Functions

Examples of Essential Job Functions: GIS data development, spatial database development, GIS data maintenance, GIS application customizing/programming, data collection, metadata development. Develops and utilizes GIS and other resources to perform analysis. Prepares graphical and non-graphical information for staff reports and presentations; completes special projects and reports. Researches records to respond to inquiries and requests from internal and external customers. Develops and maintains a variety of Public Works GIS-related documents including maps, reports and drawings. Assists in training internal customers with GIS-related applications. Participates in GPS surveying and mapping of public infrastructure. Works within the SDE and SQL Server environment to develop and maintain ESRI spatial databases. Operates computer-aided drafting and design equipment. Transfers electronic data to and from outside agencies and customers. Works with departments to develop and implement GIS applications to improve workflows and decrease redundancy in data collection and storage.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Geography, Computer Science, GIS, Engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 2 years of related experience with professional knowledge of GIS applications and principles preferred or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.  GISP or ASPRS certification preferred. ESRI technical certification preferred.

Licenses and Certificates: Ability to obtain a valid State of Iowa driver's license within one month of appointment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Considerable knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and principles. Considerable knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS Enterprise. Knowledge of ArcSDE, MS SQL Server, ArcIMS or ArcGIS Server. Experience with Flex, .NET, Silverlight or Java ArcGIS Server application development beneficial. Knowledge of GIS related programming or scripting. Knowledge of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) methods, specifically Microstation beneficial. Knowledge of Public Works related GIS data models including water, sewer, and transportation networks. Knowledge of GIS utility and transportation networks. Knowledge of methods of surveying. Knowledge of MS SQL Server administration, SSIS, SSRS beneficial. Knowledge of GIS data collection techniques. Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations concerning the design and construction of public works and/or utility projects. Knowledge of coordinate systems as they pertain to GIS data. Knowledge in the use of GPS mapping equipment and necessary software beneficial. Knowledge of Office 365.

Skill in spatial database design and management. Skill in the use of GIS technology. Skill in programming for GIS application customization and ArcGIS Server Web development. Skill in the use of database (MS Access), MS SQL Server, spreadsheet, and word processing software. Skill in analyzing and interpreting spatial data to reach logical conclusions. Skill in responding to and resolving citizen concerns and requests for service and/or data.

Ability to learn and apply techniques associated with development and management of GIS systems. Ability to use land surveying equipment. Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner. Ability to analyze spatial data and create graphical representations easily interpreted by the public. Ability to convey technical concepts to persons with limited technical knowledge. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to work independently. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, co-workers, and other City employees. Ability to effectively interpret City and departmental policies. Ability to represent the City in a professional manner to citizens and outside agencies. Ability to troubleshoot technical problems encountered in GIS applications. Ability to interpret aerial photography.

Supplemental Information

Required Physical Activities: Talking, hearing, grasping, finger dexterity, and repetitive motions.

Physical Characteristics of Work: Primarily sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.

Vision Requirements: The minimum for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data and figures, the use of a computer terminal, and extensive reading.

Environmental Conditions: The worker is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions. May have occasional exposure to noise, vibration, and extreme cold or heat.

Examples of Equipment Used on the Job: Computer equipment such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, and printer. A variety of mechanical office equipment such as copy machine, and calculator. General office equipment such as writing utensils, paper fasteners, files, etc. Specialized tools and equipment for drafting and design. GPS survey equipment. Printed materials such as maps, reference reports and correspondence. Telephone.

**Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.**

The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience; phone interview;  on-site interview, which will include a manager meeting; and completion of reference checks and a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

Veteran’s Preference Points
The City of Ames provides Veteran's Preference Points for Civil Service positions. A copy of your DD214 and, if applicable, proof of disability, must be attached with your application (or faxed to 515-239-5297) prior to the close date of the posting in order to receive Veteran's Preference Points.